Published on May 16, 2024 | Last Updated on September 20, 2025

Top 13 Skills That Make a Good and Likeable Leader

Throughout your career, there will inevitably be periods where you will find yourself leading others around. Sometimes that may be for a few hours but other times it may be more permanent. Whether you are leading small or large teams, being a leader will come with greater authority and responsibility. Being a leader, while fun, can showcase both your strengths and shortcomings. This means that you will need to check yourself as a leader to be sure that you are doing what’s best for your team. In this article, we will go over what skills make a leader good.

13 Skills That Make a Good Leader

1. They Are Clear Communicators

Managing a group can easily become a mess if the person leading tells the team the wrong information. Whether they are writing an email, speaking on a call, or walking in the office, a good leader is capable of getting the messages across clearly and efficiently so the team can succeed. This can also be as simple as helping to create charts or create to-do lists that keep the team moving in the right direction.

2. They Are Passionate About What They Do

Passion is hard to develop but it is a key skill that separates good leaders from the rest. Similar to sales, it is important for a leader to believe in the products or services offered. This can ensure that a team is able to prosper and have guidance from someone who is capable of moving mountains for them to succeed.

3. They Are Not Afraid to Tackle Tough Tasks

A leader is capable of many things. Whether they are looking to hire new employees or guide current teammates, the tasks they encounter are no match for them. Whether talking to clients or helping a colleague get out of a creative slump, they are willing and able to take on tasks head-on.

4. They Are Open Minded

A good leader must be open-minded – full stop. This is because while the leader will have some expertise, they don’t know everything. Maybe there are better ways to move systems, or there are new ideas for product extensions. If you want to see growth as a leader you need to be comfortable with being uncomfortable sometimes.

5. They Build Relationships

The people that work for good leaders will tell you that their bosses or teammates respect their bosses. A good leader fosters relationships and looks for ways to keep building relationships in order to build a strong community amongst peers, employees, and clientele.

6. They Work For Their Employees

A common misconception is that your employees only work for you. In reality, it is a two-way street that is built upon mutual respect for one another. A good leader is capable of acknowledging faults and guiding their team to success overall, but they are also capable of realizing that the employees are an integral part of keeping the company afloat.

7. They Are Positive and Encouraging

Good leaders can help set the tone of a team. This makes it important to keep positivity and encourage the team to move forward even when times get tough. This is also important during good times as well since these can help to create an environment that welcomes success with praise and is not simply a place to churn out outcomes.

8. They Lead By Example

Leaders must lead by example. If an employee sees that you are hanging out and having fun while they are stuck doing grunt work, they can easily become irritated. Being a leader means that you must be able to create an environment where you aren’t just putting your team on tight deadlines or unattainable goals so you can meet your quotas. It means being able to empathize with them and help with tasks when times get tough, and to celebrate together when you accomplish goals. This can lead to higher morale and overall a better connection with those you work with.

9. They Respect Others and Their Ideas

Respect is the foundation among everyone. It is never given and should never be assumed so. As a leader, you need to realize that respect is earned. Not just through hard work but through expertise, empathy, and character. A leader respects others and their ideas in order to build relationships and create an environment in the workplace that fosters mutual opportunities for success.

10. They Never Stop Learning

The greatest skill that a leader can have is the ability to learn. It doesn’t matter if you are 15 and starting your first job or if you are 89 and working at a large corporation. The ability to learn will set you apart from those who settle in their knowledge and find comfort. A person who is able to continue learning beyond just their education from schooling is able to bring a plethora of skills to a workplace and implement new tactics or ideas that may help grow a team or inspire others.

Learning isn’t linear either. If you see that your employees are having a hard time with a topic like digital marketing concepts or coding, learning the skill can help you communicate better. Having a learning spirit will carry you a long way and help set you apart.

11. They Are Open and Receptive to Constructive Criticism

While it may be tough, constructive criticism is an important part of being able to grow. A good leader knows that throughout their work life and maybe personal life, they were faced with times where they had to grow. As they progress in life, the criticism may get a little quieter as they move into higher positions. By creating a system where you can be evaluated by peers and employees, you can help to ensure that you are growing in the right direction.

Make sure you create an open space for employees and other fellow peers to safely present their feedback without fear of retribution. This can be very powerful and show you areas for growth that you may have not been previously aware of.

12. They Are Able to Ask For Help or Advice

Just because you are at the top doesn’t mean you are perfect. Being a leader implies a lot of responsibility, but it also means that you have a team of experts who also work with you to solve problems. A good leader is capable of admitting confusion or a need for help when times get tough. This can help with fostering ideas among colleagues and providing transparency to the crowds that they may be craving.

13. They Are Transparent

There are plenty of reasons why a leader would need to make hard decisions when running a branch or business, but hiding the reasoning behind closed doors isn’t a good solution. Transparency is a key indicator for some employees that a leader values them and is doing their best to help them. While it may be uncomfortable, transparency can lead to building trust in your company’s vision and in your leadership skills.